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8th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit “What’s Going On?” Shares Important Updates on New Developments Regarding Woodlawn and its Surrounding Communities

Friday, March 10, 2017

8th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit “What’s Going On?” Shares Important Updates on New Developments Regarding Woodlawn and its Surrounding Communities

CHICAGO (March 9, 2017) - The Woodlawn Community Summit and South East Chicago Commission (SECC) are delighted to announce the Eighth Annual Woodlawn Community Summit, with a community-driven theme “What’s Going On,” on Saturday March 18, 2017, from 8 a.m. -12 p.m., at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, 969 East 60th Street. With the goal to carve one path to a vibrant community, this summit will bring together and hear from residents, stakeholders and planners on the united vision for the community.

“The SECC is committed to our partnership with the residents of Woodlawn, and excited to host the Eighth Annual Woodlawn Community Summit “What’s Going On.” Over the past eight years, this summit has evolved into an unprecedented community gathering. The enthusiasm and dedication of community members to work together to ensure Woodlawn is a community of choice has been remarkable. The success of this summit is just one example,” said Wendy Walker Williams, SECC Executive Director.

Since its inception in 2009, the Woodlawn Community Summit has grown into an annual event with huge community impact. The summit is a progressive initiative that drives the collaboration of neighbors, youth groups, elected leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders to promote the comprehensive growth and well-being of the Woodlawn community. It is designed by residents for residents and offers an energizing morning of reflection and action, providing access to creative solutions to community issues and to connect a network of resources and support around key core areas of safety, housing, economic development, education, and sustainability.

This year, attendees will be treated to two special guest speakers. The first speaker will be Michael Strautmanis, Vice President of Civic Engagement from the Obama Foundation, who will provide updates and remarks on the Obama Presidential Center and ways to partner with the surrounding community. Secondly, Joanna Trotter, Senior Program Officer from The Chicago Community Trust, who is the lead sponsor of this year’s summit, will seek community input on the potential creation of a new community and economic development organization, aimed at maximizing this opportunity for the benefit of local residents and business owners.

“This Summit is planned by residents for residents. The advisory committee has worked tirelessly to deliver an insightful program designed to ensure resident and stakeholder participation in what we believe to be an exciting future for Woodlawn and its surrounding communities. We want to ensure that their ideas and well-being matter and are thrilled so many residents attend and express how much the Summit means to them.” stated Woodlawn Community Summit Co-Founder, Elizabeth Gardner.

The Woodlawn Community Summit is a progressive initiative that drives the collaboration of neighbors, youth groups, elected leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders to promote the comprehensive growth and well-being of the Woodlawn community.

The South East Chicago Commission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works in collaboration with the University of Chicago and other institutions, businesses, and organizations to foster a spirit of community and to enhance the ongoing quality of life across the neighborhoods within its five-community footprint on the mid-South Side: Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn.